Abstract: A new and distinct gladiolus variety, designated ‘Princess Lee’ is shown and described. The variety has straight, strong stems, a large bloom size, slow to open, and has good resistance to attack by insects and foliar diseases.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ivy Geranium plant named ‘Duecel’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely basal branching habit; freely and early flowering habit; and pink-colored double flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Kiadime’, characterized by its rounded, upright and compact plant habit; freely branching growth habit; bushy appearance; variegated foliage; freely flowering habit with flowers held above and beyond the foliage; and red purple-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Zonal Geranium plant named ‘Duevisal’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and rounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and light orange red-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct Chrysanthemum plant variety characterized by a daisy type inflorescence with many tightly held ray florets, consistent flowering response to short days, blooming consistently after 49 days of short day length, compact growth habit, and consistent natural season flowering habit during mid September.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ivy Geranium plant named ‘Duemerl’, characterized by its upright and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely basal branching habit; freely and early flowering habit; and dark red purple-colored double flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Kioma’, characterized by its rounded, upright and compact plant habit; freely branching growth habit; bushy appearance; variegated foliage; freely flowering habit with flowers held above and beyond the foliage; and red purple-colored flowers.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Illumination Rose 2’, characterized by its cascading and prostrate plant habit; freely branching growth habit; early flowering habit; purple-colored flowers with yellow-colored throat; and good weather tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Kialdan’, characterized by its rounded, upright and compact plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; freely flowering habit with flowers positioned above or beyond the foliage; and light purple-colored flowers with white-colored centers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Kiamara’, characterized by its rounded, upright and compact plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; freely flowering habit; and purple-colored flowers with red purple-colored centers.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Illumination Cherry Pink’, characterized by its cascading and prostrate plant habit; freely branching growth habit; early flowering habit; red purple-colored flowers with yellow-colored throat; and good weather tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Kiotoa’, characterized by its rounded, upright and compact plant habit; freely branching growth habit; bushy appearance; variegated foliage; freely flowering habit with flowers held above and beyond the foliage; and red-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘Kimali’, characterized by its rounded, upright and compact plant habit; freely branching growth habit; dark green-colored foliage; freely flowering habit with flowers positioned above or beyond the foliage; and light red orange-colored flowers.

Abstract: A variety of pear tree having a high productivity, tolerance to fireblight, consistently large fruit that ripens early, and fruit having a pleasant, juicy flavor.

Abstract: A new and distinct floricane fruiting variety of red raspberry, named ‘Motueka’, botanically identified as Rubus idaeus L. is described. The new variety is distinguished from others by its high yields of medium sized, high flavored, moderately bright and medium red berries. The plant exhibits a spine-free upright growth habit of medium vigor. The fruit are suitable for consumption as fresh berries and are also amenable to processing. Fruit are detached easily and the variety is well suited for harvest by machine as demonstrated in trials with a Korvan 9000 harvester. In addition, the plant has displayed resistance to Raspberry Bushy Dwarf Virus (RBDV).

Abstract: A new and distinct floricane fruiting variety of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), named ‘Tadmor’ is described. The variety produces high yields of attractive, uniform sized, large, high flavored, bright red berries. The plant exhibits a semi spine-free spreading growth habit of greater vigor than other similar varieties. The fruit are suitable for consumption as high grade fresh berries and are also amenable to processing. In addition, the plant has displayed resistance to Raspberry Bushy Dwarf Virus (RBDV) under New Zealand conditions.

Abstract: A Petunia plant particularly distinguished by its magenta flower color and creeping, mounding habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Scabiosa caucasica plant characterized by its vibrant, deep purple blue flower color.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Hybrid Tea rose plant is provided which abundantly forms attractive fragrant very double blossoms that are velvety dark red in coloration. The plant exhibits a semi-upright growth habit, dense medium green semi-glossy foliage, and good vigor. A strong fragrance also is displayed. The new variety is particularly well suited for growing as attractive ornamentation in the landscape such as in parks and gardens.

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for interconnecting only matching fluid delivery and supply lines while preventing the inadvertent connection of mismatched lines where there are matched and mismatched delivery and supply lines. The coupling includes first and second coupling members that are releasably slidably, axially interfitted with their passageways in fluid communication. In the disclosed embodiment of a coupling for use in a chemical extraction system, one coupling member is a male member connected to the supply lines in the typical fifty gallon drum and the other coupling member is a female coupling member connected to the delivery lines. Key coding elements on the coupling members are movable into matched interengagement when the supply and delivery lines are matched but are precluded from moving into matched interengagement when the lines are mismatched.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a connector for fiber optic transmission cables, incorporating into it a variable attenuator. The variable attenuation is achieved by having a screw arrangement vary an air gap, and additional embodiments of the invention feature ways of fixing the attenuation at a given level and of minimizing back-reflection.

Abstract: A device incorporated in an image forming apparatus for transferring a toner image from a photoconductive element to an intermediate transfer belt and then from the intermediate transfer belt to a sheet or similar recording medium. An electrode member is implemented as a belt drive roller and located at the rear of a portion of the intermediate transfer belt which lies in a position for transferring the toner image from the belt to a sheet. The electrode member has a specific volume resistance of 107 &OHgr;cm to 1012 &OHgr;cm.

Abstract: A face guard (10) configured for protecting the face (F) of a baseball player (P) from a baseball (B) when the guard (10) is donned by the player (P) is disclosed. The face guard (10) broadly includes an open framework (12), compressible padding (14) connected to the framework (12), and a strap assembly (16) coupled to the framework (12). The framework (12) is configured to prevent a baseball (B) from contacting the face (F) of the player (P) when the guard (10) is donned by the player (P) without restricting the player's generally horizontal line of sight. The compressible padding (14) is configured to contact the player (P) and thereby space the framework (12) from the face (F) when the guard (10) is donned. The strap assembly (16) is configured to both position and retain the framework (12) on the face (F) of the player (P) when the guard (10) is donned.

Abstract: A device for applying heat from a heating device to appendage of a wearer is described. The device includes a base layer including a pocket. The base layer is configured to accommodate the appendage of the wearer. The pocket is configured for removable insertion of the heating device so that when the heating device is inserted in the pocket and the device is worn by the wearer, heat from the heating device is applied to the appendage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to that of an incorporated cooling system that is incorporated into headgear that would be worn by a user. The cooling system of the present invention comprises a plurality of hollow plastic tubes all interconnected to one another. The plastic tubes serve both as a means in which an even distribution of air flow occurs over a user's head and also serves as a skeletal framework for the particular piece of headgear which the present invention is associated with. Air flow through the present invention occurs throughout the plastic tubes by the presence of air compressor unit, which is mounted on the particular piece of headgear in an inconspicuous place. The air compressor unit is powered by a power means. The plastic tubes of the present invention have inwardly facing air outlet holes that solely but steadily blow air onto the head of an individual wearing a piece of headgear with the present invention.

Abstract: A device for allowing air to circulate is disclosed. An embodiment of the device has a base having an arcuate first side and a second side. The second side has a rib extending from the second side. The device also has a surface adapted for attaching the base to a hat.

Abstract: A motorcycle helmet includes a jaw protector pivotably attached to the helmet along opposite sides thereof. The jaw protector is provided with at least one releasable lock fixing the jaw protector in a lowered use position. The lock is deactivated for enabling a pivoting of the jaw protector to a raised position.

Abstract: A draining structure for diving mask includes a soft head cover fixedly connected to a rigid skirt framing a lens. The soft head cover includes a forward projected nose portion having a draining valve provided at a bottom thereof to be openable only in an outward direction. A draining guide is provided below the nose portion and has a hole formed directly below the draining valve to prevent water from sideward flushing open the draining valve when a diver jumps into water in a vertical position. An upward projected flange is provided at a rear end of the draining guide to guide air bubbles produced by the diver's expiration to two side outlets of the draining guide. The flange also reinforces the two side outlets and prevents them from deformation when the head cover is put on the diver's head and presses against the side outlets.

Abstract: A toilet seat device includes an annular base member rotatably attached onto a toilet bowl, and a board for safely and stably supporting children on the annular base member. The board is coupled to the annular base member and supportable on a horizontal working position to support the feet of the children. A plate is rotatably coupled between the annular base member and the board. The plate and the board may be received in the annular base member. A panel may be secured to the board at a perpendicular position, to support the board at the horizontal working position.

Abstract: A composite water closet flange includes a hub member having a hub member axis and including a connecting portion and a through-passage extending through the connecting portion. The connecting portion includes a shoulder extending radially outwardly. A plurality of locking tabs extend radially outwardly and are axially spaced apart from the shoulder. A ring member is mounted on the hub member and includes an inner peripheral portion surrounding the connecting portion and defining an opening. The inner peripheral portion includes a plurality of engagement portions interposed between the shoulder and respective ones of the locking tabs. A key slot is defined in the inner peripheral portion and communicates with the opening. The key slot is sized and configured to receive at least one of the plurality of locking tabs therethrough.

Abstract: A low profile transportable holding tank for accepting waste from portable toilets. The holding tank is carried on a flatbed vehicle and has a flat deck for cargo, thus effectively increasing the cargo-carrying capacity of the vehicle compared with that available if the vehicle were carrying a conventional holding tank. Internal reinforcement enables the holding tank to withstand a partial vacuum imposed for pumping waste into the tank.

Abstract: A wind sensitive operating system for swimming pools would enable swimming pools to activate cleaning systems during times of high winds. Currently swimming pools cannot sense high wind conditions and altar their running conditions accordingly. This invention would have a control box which could sense high winds and start up swimming pool cleaning systems at a predetermined wind velocity and a predetermined time length of high wind.

Abstract: An ozone water foot massager includes a container disposed on top of a water compartment and having a recess for receiving feet of users. A tubular member is received in the water compartment and coupled to a nozzle, an ozone generator is coupled to the tubular member for supplying an ozone to a neck of the tubular member. The fluid may flow fastener through the neck of the tubular member, for drawing and mixing the ozone and the fluid with each other into an ozonized water, and for supplying the well mixed ozonized water to clean the feet of the users.

Abstract: An automatic water feed mechanism and method is provided by equipping a lavatory with a two dimensional sensor array such as a camera unit for monitoring a target area that a user may enter. An infrared emitter and an infrared detector can also be activated at low light levels. A two dimensional image signal can be processed and compared with a stored reference signal for activating the release of water. At a low ambient light, the infrared emitter unit can be activated to emit infrared rays which can then be detected when reflected by a user by the infrared detector. Such a detection can provide an alternative release of water.

Abstract: A toilet seat lifting mechanism includes an upstanding base frame, a movable frame pivotally connected at a front end to a top front of the base frame, a toilet seat support pivotally connected at a rear edge to a rear end of the movable frame, and a toilet seat pivotally connected at a rear end to the rear edge of the toilet seat support to flatly position on a top of the toilet seat support. A lifter is mounted to one side of the base frame to gradually lift the rear end of the movable frame, so that the toilet seat support and the toilet seat are forward inclined to gradually move a user sitting on the toilet seat into an upstanding position.

Abstract: A mechanism for initiating movement of a stretcher includes a drive wheel, and a lever or pedal actuated assembly. Moving the pedal or the lever moves a flexible drive link which is wound around a hub of the drive wheel. As the flexible drive link is pulled and unwound from the hub, the drive wheel engages the floor and rotates a sufficient distance to overcome inertia and align the swivel wheels of the stretcher in the desired direction.

Abstract: A combination of a pillowcase and a cover is constructed the so that the pillowcase is permanently attached to the central region of the cover and the cover may the folded and stuffed into the pillowcase or alternatively spread out to extend laterally from the pillowcase. The pillowcase is formed of front and rear panels. The front panel is permanently secured to the central region of the cover. The front and rear panels of the pillowcase are permanently secured together along only a portion of a mutually common enclosing perimeter, and are releaseably secured together along the remainder of that perimeter. The orientation of the rear panel is reversible so that it may reside exposed atop the cover with the front panel concealed therebetween when the cover is withdrawn from the pillowcase and spread out laterally therefrom.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for trimming the lower structure of a piece of furniture such as a bed or a couch which consists in covering the sides of said structure with a generally rectangular elongated strip.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion is disclosed, having features that allow deflation of the cushion to be controlled. The cushion includes an inflatable bladder having a support therein and a valved exhaust tube in fluid communication therewith. An indicator coupled to the exhaust tube indicates when fluid is exiting the exhaust tube. When sat upon, the cushion deflates only by a preselected amount. This allows the cushion to be consistently and easily deflated to a predetermined inflation height.

Abstract: A body support system is provided having improved static and dynamic mechanical response characteristics and improved thermal regulation. The body support system can be of a modular construction to provide mechanical response characteristics suited to a particular user or group of users, or to a particular environment or use. In one embodiment, the body support system is a seat cushion comprising a foam layer with a central region, a plurality of spaced apart vertical foam columns that define a fluid reservoir in the central region, a plurality of fluid channels in the foam layer for communicating fluid in and out of the fluid reservoir, and an elastomeric layer having resilience and flow properties, such as a viscoelastic gel, positioned above the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A dissolving device for dissolving a particulate solid in a supercritical or almost critical fluid comprises a circulation loop, in which there is a feed for feeding a feed stream of the supercritical or almost critical fluid, a cyclone, which is in communication with the feed and has a principal discharge for discharging a principal discharge stream of a solution of the particulate solid in the supercritical or almost critical fluid and has an auxiliary discharge for discharging an auxiliary stream of the supercritical or almost critical fluid with solid particles dispersed therein, the auxiliary discharge being in communication with the said feed. A dissolving device of this type has a low pressure drop and a high dissolving rate compared to the prior art.

Abstract: An extendable ramp assembly includes a chassis, a first ramp slidably movable relative to the chassis and hingably connected to the chassis, and a second ramp carried by the first ramp and movable relative to the chassis and the first ramp. Separate structure is provided for extending and retracting both the first and second ramps. A first mechanism is provided for detecting whether either or both of the first and second ramps abuts an obstruction when at least one of the ramps is being extended. A second mechanism is provided for stopping the extension of at least one of the ramps or for retracting at least one of the ramps in the event of the detecting mechanism detecting the obstruction.

Abstract: A cleaning rotary brush 1 comprises a hard base 3 mounted to a rotary shaft and a plurality of ridged projections 27 formed on and projecting from the working surface of the base 3, the tops of said ridged projections 27 in contact with an object to be cleaned while rotating in substantially the same plane. The ridged projections 27 are made of a polyvinyl acetal porous elastomer and disposed continually on a plurality of phantom setting lines 31 extending from inner reference, points 31a on the side of the center of rotation 35 of the working surface to outer reference points 31b on the side of the outer periphery 17b of the working surface. The length L1 in a longitudinal direction of said ridged projections 27 is made longer than the length D1 in a widthwise direction of the ridged projections 27.

Abstract: A cleaning device for attachment to a water faucet, comprising a housing element having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion being threaded for operable engagement with a water faucet, and the bottom portion having an opening therein, aperture is positioned in the housing element allowing th flow of water through the housing element. A plurality of cleaning bristles are positioned around or about the opening of the bottom portion of the housing element for cleaning fingernails, hands, razors, toothbrushes and the like.

Abstract: A broom with a broom head has flared out bristles projecting therefrom so as to form a leading edge for reaching into confined spaces. The broom head has an opening therethrough to define an integral handle to better control the leading edge and the broomstick is angled away from the leading edge to facilitate entry into confined spaces.

Abstract: A winter windshield wiper assembly for a vehicle which comprises an elongated frame assembly including at least a primary yoke, said elongated frame assembly being enclosed by a sheet member, an elongated wiper blade supported by said elongated assembly, and a bridge member secured to said enclosed elongated frame assembly at both ends thereof, said bridge member and said enclosed elongated frame assembly defining an air space therebetween which enables the winter windshield assembly to operate with reduced resistance.

Abstract: A wind screen wiper apparatus includes a motor housing that has a perimeter wall for defining an interior space. The motor housing is for coupling to the windscreen of the motorcycle. A motor is positioned within the interior space of the motor housing such that the housing is for protecting the motor from inclement weather. A power supply is operationally coupled to the motor. The power supply provides the motor with power for operating the motor. A wiper assembly is coupled to the motor. The motor actuates the wiper assembly when the power supply provides power to the motor. The wiper assembly is for contacting a surface of the windscreen such that the wiper assembly is for clearing liquid from the windscreen when the power supply provides the motor with power.

Abstract: A liquid barrier system for protecting selected areas of flooring from liquid flow. The liquid barrier system includes a pair of end assemblies adapted for abutting a surface of a floor, and an elongate barrier assembly having two ends, each one of the barrier assembly ends being coupled to an associated one of the end assemblies.

Abstract: A web cleaner (20) is presented that removes debris that clings to the surface of a substrate in a printing process. The cleaner uses a number of idlers (26) holding a web (22) taut therebetween with the web driven at high speeds by a printing press (24). The cleaner utilizes a pair of counter rotating textured rollers (28) positioned between the idlers with one roller positioned on each side of the web in close proximity therewith and each roller rotates in an opposite direction to that of the webs flowpath. A air separating bar (36) is positioned at right angles to the web bordering each roller in adjacent relationship for directing the air into a plenum (44) that covers each roller and skiving bar. The plenum is used to collect the debris detached from the web surface by air currents formed by rotation of the rollers creating an air film on the web surface. The same air currents produce a positive air pressure within the plenum.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a high pressure printing press ink cleaner comprising a vacuum header housing 20 having wheels 22 secured thereon for mobility. A water supply conduit 24 is connected at one end through connection means 26 to the housing 20 and at the other end to an external power washing device 16. The cleaning unit 14 has a head 74 thereon which contains power spray jets 62 whereby fluid spray 68 is ejected onto a surface to be cleaned. The dirty fluid is sucked up by suction ports 72 contained in the vacuum head 74 and returned through hose 64 to a wet vac 18 where it is stored in the tank 19 of the wet vac. An operator handle 28 is shown having a control trigger means 30 thereon which controls the release of the fluid and the amount of fluid to be released.